Airdrie RCMP sounding alarm over rise in fentanyl rates
Posted Sep 27, 2016 9:22 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Airdrie RCMP say the bedroom community north of Calgary is dealing with its own Fentanyl crisis and rates are up in the city.
Statistics show in 2015, Mounties responded to approximately 18 calls directly related to Fentanyl and in 2016 they’ve already surpassed that figure.
As of this year, to date, RCMP are dealing with 23 related calls.
Two people have died in the city, one in 2016 and one last year because of the powerful painkiller.
Fentanyl is a highly addictive and potent substance, that’s often passed off as the new form of OxyContin but it’s 100 times more toxic than morphine, heroin, and oxycodone.
“Fentanyl is on the rise, it’s always a concern to any police department including the RCMP when we see statistics showing that we have more cases reported this year, up to date then last year, we want open communication with the communities to let them know this is a very real problem in Calgary as well as all the bedroom communities,” said Constable Jennifer Weedmark.
Weedmark says they’re looking to get the word out to support families.
“To say there’s a specific demographic I’d say no, it affects people of all ages, it’s a dangerous addiction.”
“Fentanyl is a serious and deadly dangerous drug, it can be mixed with a variety of different drugs and the effects are unpredictable.”
Residents are being urged to be aware of the risks, signs and symptoms related to an overdose.
Signs can include breathing is slowed or the person isn’t breathing at all, blue lips and nails, choking and throwing up, making gurgling sounds, cold and clammy skin and the person can’t wake up.
In total there were 274 deaths in Alberta associated with the drug.
Naloxone kits are available free of charge to anyone associated with an Opioid overdose or family members living with anyone at risk.
